Aurora and the state of Illinois are offering a workshop to help businesses get certified in the state’s Business Enterprise Program.
The program is for businesses owned by minorities, women and persons with disabilities. It is administered by the Illinois Commission on Equity and Inclusion.
The Business Enterprise Program is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, equitable and competitive business environment that allows underrepresented businesses to increase their capacity, grow revenue and enhance credentials, according to the Equity and Inclusion Commission website.
The workshop will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at Aurora City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place. A reservation is required. To reserve a spot, go to www.aurora-il.org/BEP.
Certification in the program means a business will be listed in the Commission for Equity and Inclusion public online directory. It gives businesses visibility among state procurement professionals and potential prime vendors.
The program certification is recognized by various municipalities and organizations, and aligns with their supplier diversity programs. The certification is free.
Full certification is valid for seven years, and it typically takes 60 days to determine certification status, according to the website.
To get certification, a business must have at least 51% ownership by a minority, woman or person with a disability; have at least 51% of the business controlled by one or more minority groups, women or persons with a disability; have an owner who is a citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States; and have annual gross sales of less than $150 million.
slord@tribpub.com
